Box construction



April 3, 1951 w. F. BARRY 2,547,849

BOX CONSTRUCTION Filed oct, 25, 194e 2 sheets-sheet 1 April 3, 1951 w. F. BARRY 2,547,849

Box CONSTRUCTION Filed oct. 25, 194e 2 sheets-sheet 2 @VEA/70,9.'

Patented Apr. 3, 1951 UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE BOX CONSTRUCTION William F. Barry, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application October 25, 1946, Serial No. 705,645

' 11 Claims. 1

VThis invention relates to containers and particfularly to cardboard or liber boxes used for shipping, storage and display purposes. e

One object of my invention is to provide a container of the type specified which is especially pleasing in appearance, being adapted to be made in a variety of shapes and sizes in accordance with the nature of the articles to be packaged and composed of parts havingcontrasting colors to further enhance the appearance.

Another object is to provide a container which is adapted for manufacture from relatively thin material with means for reinforcing the walls to provide a strong and durable structure capable of supporting considerable weight and withstanding rough handling during shipment.

Another object is to provide a containercomprising a minimum number of parts which may be easily and quickly assembled Without gluing operations.

Another object is to provide a container adapted to support the contents at a distance from the top, bottom and side walls thereby guarding against damage to the contents when the containers are stacked, one upon another, during storage and shipping.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be made evident throughout the following part of the specification.

Referring to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container embodying the novel features of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section through a side of the container taken on line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a composite perspective view of the several parts of the container shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective View of a container of' slightly modied construction;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section through the side of the modified type container taken on line 5--5 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a composite perspective View Vof theV member; a member inserted in the container to further reinforce the side walls and provided with a rest; and a cover positioned on said rest for closing the container.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, the improved container comprises a main box I0 for containing various articles and a cover Il for closing the top of the box. As shown in Fig. 3, the box IU consists of a bottom wall I2 with foldable tabs or tongues I3- projecting laterally from the side edges of the bottom wall. The bottom wall I2 may be of any desired shape such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or other polygonal contours, the present drawings illustrating the bottom wall as rectangular in order to simplify the description. Y The tongues I3 are also substantially rectangular in outline and have their outer corners cut at an angle yas indicated at I4. Adjacent the point of joinder with the bottom Wall I2, the side edges of the tongues I3 are cut away slightly as shown at I5 for a purpose to be later explained, the cut away portions being of any suitable configuration. The tabs or tongues I3 may also be transversely scored as indicated by the dotted lines I6, I'I, I8 and I9 in Fig. 3.

In forming the box IU, each tab I3 is rst folded on the scored lines I6 and I'I and bent inwardly and upwardly, thereby providing a side wall 2li having a lower inclined rim portion 2l overlying the edge of the bottom wall I2. The side wall 20 may project upwardly perpendicular to the bottom Wall YI2 but perferably is inclined slightly inward to provide a tapering eiect to enhance the appearance of the container. After each tab I3 has been folded upwardly in this manner a reinforcing member 2li is applied to the interior of the box. As shown in Fig, 3, the member 24 comprises a strip of cardboard folded into rectangular outline with the ends of the strip overlapped and glued or otherwise joined f together as indicated at 25.

The reinforcing member 24 is placed between the side walls 20 of the box IE) with its lower edges resting upon the bottom wall I2 and thereafter the side walls are folded over the upper edges of the member along the scored line I8, and then downwardly to form inner side-panels 26 positioned against the interior rof the member, see Fig. 2. The lower portions of the side-panels 26 are bent along the scored line I9 at right angles to the panels to form projections 2l which are adapted to rest upon the upper surface of the bottom wall I2;

It will be noted from the above that the sides of the container or box I0 comprise, in effect, three 3 thicknesses of material, namely, the side Walls 20, reinforcing strip 24 and inner side panels 26 so that a very strong and rigid structure is provided. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 1 that the cut away portions I5 of the tabs I3 cooperate, when the side walls 20 are formed, to provide openings 28 through which the corners of the reinforcing member 24 may be observed. The member 24 and side walls 20 may be of different colors and the side walls embellished with a suitable design to add to the ornamental appearance of the display container.

After the sides of the box I have been formed in the manner above explained, a plate-like cardboard reinforcing and retaining member of rsubstantially the same shape and ldimensions as the space between the inner side panels 26 ofthe box I is forced down into the box to rest upon the internal projections 21 of the side walls. The member 34 thus serves to reinforce the bottom of the container and to retain the projections 21 and side panels 2'6 in place.

A removable element 32 is placed in the box lil for the purpose of holding the contents of the box therein and to provide a rest for the cover I I. As shown in Fig. 3, the element 32 is similar to the reinforcing member 24 and is adapted to be slid down into place between the side panels 26 of the box Il. The sides of the element 32 are bent inwardly at their lower ends to provide ears 34 which rest upon the reinforcing plate 30. The element 32 may be constructed from a strip of cardboard folded to proper shape with the ends of the strip overlapped and secured together as indicated at 33.

The removable cover II for closing the top of the container may consist of a rectangular sheet of cardboard 3S adapted to be inserted in the box Il] and to rest upon the upper edges of the element 32. A strip of decorative paper 31 may be applied to the sides of the sheet 3B as shown in Fig. 2. The paper covering 31 may be slit and a short strip of paper inserted in the slit and secured in place between the paper 31 and sheet 36 to provide a finger tab 38 adapted to be lifted to facilitate removal of the cover I I from the box I0.

Referring now to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 of the draw-Y retaining fingers 45 which are used for a purposel to be later explained. The inner side panelsV 43 are formed with projections 46 similar to the projections 21 of the side panels 2B but in this case are inclined downwardly with their lower edges abutting'the bottom wall 4I, see Fig. 5. A reinforcing member 41 is interposed lbetween the side walls 42 and inner side panels 43.

A plate-like member 48 is adapted to be inserted in the box or container 40 and to rest upon the inclined projections 46. As the element 48 is slid down into place in the box its edges ride across the retaining fingers 45 which thereafter snap inwardly to overlie the member 48, see Fig. 5. Through this provision the membery 48 is retained in place upon the inclined projections 46 and forms, in effect, a false'bottom for supporting the contents.

A removable element 50, similar to the element 32, previously described, may be inserted in the box 40 to provide a protective covering for the contents and the upper edges of its sides folded inwardly to provide a ledge or rest 5I upon which a cover 52 is adapted to seat. A sheet of transparent material, such as cellophane, may be bonded to the rest 5I if desired to further protect the contents. The cover 52 may comprise a sheet of cardboard or the like having downwardly projecting side walls 53 of any desired configuration. One of the side walls 53 may be slit at spaced points and the material between the slits extended to provide a hinge ear 55 adapted to be inserted between the side of the element 50 and one of the inner side panels 43,110 pivotally mount the cover 52 on the box. When the cover 52 is swung down to close the container, the side walls 52 will be positioned between the sides of the element 50 and the inner side panels 43 to Veffectively sealthe top ofthe container, see Fig. 5. A finger tab .55 Imay also be provided on the cover 52 for facilitating lifting of the cover to open the container.

It will be observed from the foregoing that the present invention provides a container especially suitable for use in packaging various articles such as `powder puffs, artificial iiower corsages, hair ornaments and other objects usually displayed and sold in decorative boxes. An .article may be placed in the box I0 :and the element 32 slid down thereover to retain the article `therein and to provide a protective covering so that handling and soiling of the article are prevented. It is the usual practice in making ornamental display boxes to form the bottom and sde's'in such a way that many gluing operations are necessary, thus adding to the over-'all cost yof the container. The present improved box, 'on the other hand, may be made from simpler parts adapted to be assembled without gluing operations. The container is -suitably reinforced to adapt it to withstand rough use and provide maximum lprotection for its delicate or fragile contents. It will be particularly noted thateven though the containers are improperly stacked during storage or subjected to rough Yhandling during shipment, the contents will be fully protected. The unique shape of the container adds greatly to its ornamental appearance and Ithus increases the sales appeal of the contents, it being understood that the "box maybe made in the polygonal contour best suited for the shape of the contents.

While the improved container has 4been herein shown and described as embodied in twopreferred forms of construction by way of'example, it is to be understood that Vvarious changes,'modications and substitutions may be incorporated in the exemplary embodiment'disclosed without departing from the spirit'or scope of the -invention and I hereby reserve the right -to .all such changes, modifications and substitutions as properly come within the `scope of -my appended claims.

I claim as my invention: Y'

1. A container comprising: la bottom wall; side walls folded upwardly from said bottom wall, said side walls being cut away along their abutting edges to provide openings at the corners of the container; inner side panels formed integral withl and folded inwardly and downwardly in 'spaced relation to said side walls; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and inner side panels to reinforce lthe sides of the container, said lining member being visible through said openings at the corners of the container; and

retaining means for retaining said inner side panelsin folded relations. 'f

2. A container` comprising: a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls; inner side panels extending downwardly from the upper edges of said side walls and engageable with said bottom wallga retaining member inserted in the container and engaging said inner side panels to retain said panels in substantially vertical position and in abutting engagement with said'bottom wall; a frame member closely fitting the interior of the container and supported on the retaining member, said frame member being provided with a rest at its upper end; and a cover seated upon said rest for closing the container.

3. In a container having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls, the combination of: inner side panels forming continuations of and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls to engage said bottom wall; a planar member engaging said inner side panels for maintaining said side panels in substantially vertical position and in engagement lwith said bottom wall; frame means supported by said planar member and cooperating with said inner side panels to provide 4a rest adjacent the upper end of the container; and a cover seated upon said rest for closing the container.

4. A container comprising: a bottom wall and sides folded upwardly therefrom; inner side panels forming continuations of and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls; a plate-like member inserted in the box and engaging said inner panels to maintain said panels in folded relationship; a frame member carried by said plate-like member; and a cover supported by said frame member.

5. In a container having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls, the combination of inner side panels formed as continuations of and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and panels to reinforce the'structure; projections formed on said inner side panels and engaging said bottom wall; a plate-like member engaging said projections to maintain said panels in folded relation against said lining member; a tubular member supported by said plate-like member and being provided with a rest at its upper end; and a cover seated upon said rest for closing the container. v

6. In a container having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls, the combination of: inner side panels formed integral with and bent inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls `and said panels to reinforce the structure; projections bent angularly from said side panels to engage said bottom wall; a plate-like member engaging said projections to maintain said panels in folded relation against said lining member; a tubular member closely tting the interior of the container and supported by said plate member, said tubular member being provided with a rest at its upper end; and a cover seated upon said rest for closing the container.

7. In a container having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls, the combination of: inner side panels formed integral with and bent inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and panels to reinforce the structure; projections upper end; and a cover seated upon said rest for closing the container.

8. 'In a container having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls, the combination of: inner side panels formed integral with and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and panels to reinforce the sides of the structure; projections bent at right-angles to said inner panels and resting upon said bottom wall; a horizontally extending plate-like member closely fitting between said side panels and positioned against said projections to maintain said panels in folded relation against said lining member; a frame member closely fitting the interior of the container and supported on said plate member; and a removable cover seated upon the upper end of said frame member for closing said container.

9. In a container having a bottom wall and a plurality of upwardly extending side walls, the combination of inner side panels formed integral with and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and panels to reinforce the sides of the structure; projections formed integral with and bent atan acute angle from the lower ends of said` inner side panels to form inclined rests, said inclined rests engaging said bottom wall; and a plate-like member inserted in the container and resting upon the several inclined rests to maintain said inner side panels in substantially Vertical position with their inclined rests4 engaging said bottom wall of the container.

l0. In a container having a bottom wall and a plurality of upwardly extending side walls, the combination of z inner side panels formed integral with and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and said inner side panels to reinforce the sides of the structure; means projecting at an acute angle from said inner side panels to provide inclined rests, said means engaging said bottom wall; a plate-like member inserted in the container and seated upon said inclined rests to maintain said inner side panels in substantially vertical position; and retaining means engaging said plate member to retain the plate member seated on said rests.

11. In a container having a bottom wall and a plurality of upwardly extending side walls, the combination of inner side panels formed integral with and folded inwardly and downwardly from said side walls in spaced relation thereto; an endless lining member interposed between said side walls and said inner side panels to reinforce the sides of the structure; means projecting at an acute angle from said inner side panels to provide inclined rests engaging said bottom wall of lthe container; a plate-like member inserted in said container and seated upon said inclined rests to maintain said inner side panels in substantially vertical position; and retaining means on said inner side panels engaging said plate member Eto retain :said Side panels Seated upon .said' Number inclined rests. 1,776,134 BARRY. 2,220,972 12,242,741 REFERENCES CITED 5 The following references are ,of record in the N b le of this patent: Um7e2r71 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3151694 Number Name Date 10 360,449

995,259 Kingsbury June 13, 1911 Name Date Scruby et al.. Sept. 16, 1930 Mairson et .al Nov` 12, 1940 Betts `.et al May 20 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Jan. 30, 1913 Italy Apr. 13, 1934 France Feb. 23, 1906 

